Pilates Cross Trainers 2023

[Usia]

Good morning!

Build: Total Body 2 - 30min
Build: M.I.S.S. Steady Cardio - 30min

Total Body 2 was OK, but not my favorite. I did enjoy it though because it was different than TB 1. I like variety. Then, because I needed to move, I've decided to do MISS Steady Cardio. Nothing different here - just walking, but got me moving and it was fine. I really like working with Jessica again.

Tomorrow I plan to do Ellen and maybe the 25min Seated Stretching with Beth.

It's going to be another sunny and hot, hot day here - in low 90s. I live accross the street from the park and today there will be Pride parade and festivities associated with it there. I hope everyone stays cool and safe. I will be out and about, but will not hang out outside because we also have a air quality alert in effect. And of course, I hate the heat. Ugh.

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

[furmomof6]

Hi everyone,

Walk (30 min)
Senior Shape Calisthenics

DH and I have been walking everyday after dinner for about 30 minutes. We went out early this morning since there was rain in the forecast. I'm pretty much over the Prevention workouts already. The non-stop talking is bothering me too much, and the squats/lunges are already hurting my knees.

Carol, do-able, but still a challenge and fun is good!

Waves Dana & Donna!

[donnamp]

Hi Everyone,

This morning's workouts:

Improved Health - Interval Training Program Series # 2 - Workout 1 - this one had 6 intervals - 1 minute higher intensity (Jules jogged, but I used my step for lower impact), 1 minute recovery. The Series # 1 program had 1 min higher intensity, 2 minute recovery. Prior to the intervals we did about 10 min of steady state and afterwards about 5 min wind down plus stretches at the very end. I like the way she structured this - plenty of time to warm up and then a non-rushed slowdown/cool down/stretch. She suggests repeating each series for 4 weeks. I did Series # 1 last week and didn't feel the need to repeat it again. I will see how i feel after completing this series to see if I should run through it again.

Improved Health - 25 Day Strength Program - Day 1 - this was upper body, back, biceps and a little shoulders. I opted to sit in a chair for the bent over work and it was much better for my back. I feel wimpy doing that but what is the point of aggravating something? And, by sitting I felt I was able to concentrate more on the body parts being worked.

Jessica Valant - Basic Hip Stretches - I need to get back to the "happy hips' workouts they did work well for me so I'm going to focus on adding them in at least 3-5X per week.

Carol - I think doing something you enjoy and that makes you feel good is important. I know it is hard mentally to let go - and yes, Jessica did have a podcast about it. I struggle too, like today, I felt like I was cheating by doing the workout seated. But, if I had a friend who asked what she should do - I would say - do it sitting if that works for you! We should be nicer to ourselves.

Christine - glad you got out to walk. And that you are back with workouts you enjoy.

Dana - we are having some heat and humidity here as well. It is the first time all summer though.

I am considering adopting another dog - my DD and i have played with this one several times while volunteering at the shelter. She is young, about a year old - and looks to be a Lab/Greyhound mix. I have to convince DH - and we would have to bring our Golden to meet her. I half think I'm crazy - but I also feel that it would be a good time now w/ me working from home for at least another full year. And my Golden is not so old now that she needs a lot of attention - she is going to be 11 at the end of the month but she is in very good shape for her age. You wouldn't know how old she was if not for her white face!

Hope everyone has a good day!

Donna

[txhsmom]

Saturday's workouts were

Improved Health - 1970's Music Workout - 20 minutes; Outdoor Walk - 30 minutes

I've done this 1970s Workout several times and I really enjoy the music because that is my era. Enjoyed it again!

It looks like it's getting ready to rain again - I hear the thunder.

Donna - I think it's all wrapped up with the concept of facing our own mortality. I don't want to think about that... Would your lab be excited to have to buddy. Is the possible new dog's exercise requirement way more than your lab? Would that be a problem?

Good workouts Christine & Dana!

Carol

[donnamp]

Hi Everyone,

Today was:

Improved Health - Interval Series # 2 - Day 2 - this was just a 20 min cardio - not too hard. I think Jules mentioned in one of her videos that you can do something else on the 20 minute days - if I end up repeating the series, I may do that as these do get a bit repetitive with pretty much the same music and moves in each one. But I'll go through this full round and then decide.

Improved Health - 25 Day Strength Series - Day 2 - this was a lower body workout - not too hard but not easy either...I enjoy the slower pace and no-frills nature of these.

I plan to get some stretching and maybe a walk in later.

I'm still mulling over the other dog idea. The dog we met is very nice - she is young (about a year old) and I'm sure will have more energy than my 11 year old. Although my Golden is in great shape for her age - she still can run and play - although she is slower than she used to be and tires out faster. My doubts are - I don't want to upset my older dog - although she did live with another dog for almost her entire life she does seem to be ok being an 'only' dog. I'm also thinking over the age difference 11 vs. 1 - and thinking about their differing exercise requirements. My 11 year old does well w/ a leisurely walk and a little ball playing in the yard. This other dog will need longer walk and more play time. I'm mulling over if i could accommodate both of their needs. When I had my Lab and Golden together they were closer in age and when my Lab was still able to go for walks I was able to walk them together. I guess the bottom line is I want to be able to do justice to both dogs and meet both their needs. I know my DH isn't going to participate much - and that is fine - I'm the one who wants the pets - he is nice to them and hangs out with them but is not the one who takes them for walks/exercise/the vet, etc. my DD is going to be working all summer and then probably spending time w/ her BF the rest of the time. Then at the end of the summer she is going away to school - she won't be far and will probably be home on the weekends, but....I do know I'm signing up for the majority of the care and I have to think it over. I want both dogs to have their needs met and I have to think if I can do it all. Maybe adopting a dog that is older would be better for my current dog (??), if I was going to add another dog at all.

Anyway - decisions, decisions.

Carol - that is what I started to wonder about - the exercise requirements and being able to balance both of their needs. I do know what you mean about our mortality. I think it is hard to accept that no matter what we do - father time ultimately wins.

Hope everyone has a nice Sunday!!!

Donna

[txhsmom]

Today's workouts:

Improved Health - Low Impact All Standing Tabata - 22 minutes;
This was a new-to-me workout. There were 4 tabata rounds with the first one being a warmup. The others focused on legs, cardio, abs. Jules added on 2 or 3 minutes of stretching at the end.

Flow with Mira - 15 Minute Abs and Hip Workout
This was also a new-to-me pilates workout. Although it was labeled as "beginner" it was not easy. 10 exercises in total.

Donna - The folks at the shelter can probably give you some good advice about adopting a shelter dog into a home with an older dog. I think you are right to introduce them and see how that goes.

Carol

[donnamp]

Hi Everyone,

Yesterday I added on a dog walk and then Trifecta Pilates - Seated Stretches.

Today, so far:

Improved Health - Interval Series 2 - Workout # 3 - this one had longer intervals 2.5 minutes of work and 2.5 minutes of recovery for 4 rounds. I used my step again for the intervals - rather than running in place (or fast walking). I did take the step height down though compared to when I'm doing just 1 minute intervals.

Improved Health - 25 Day Series - Workout # 3 - this was upper body. I enjoyed it - again, the slower pace seems just right for me right now.

Hope everyone is doing well.

Our Sunday ended on a bit of a sad note - it looks like my DD and her BF broke up. I think it was my DD's idea. I'm worried about both of them - and sad, too. I know it is a normal part of growing up and life, but i still feel sad and worried. I hope they are both ok and can find the support they need to get through it. I know I'm here for my DD but i don't know how much she'll confide in me and DH. I do worry about my DD b/c she does not have a large friend group and that is helpful during times like these.

As for the dog, I'm 50/50. I guess I'll arrange to have my dog meet her and take it from there.

Off to a new week...

Donna

[Usia]

Good morning!

Build: Total Body 3 - 30min
Build: Refresh Fusion - 30min

I really enjoyed Total Body 3. Jessica used weights in this one, and I prefer that to bands. Then I've decided to do Refresh Fusion and while I liked it, it was not what I was expecting. This was yoga/barre/pilates mobility class and it felt good, but I was expecting some large range of motion light cardio. I've now completed all first week BUILD workouts. I did 3 days of strength training without having to plan or think about it. I'm really happy I signed up for AAP.

Donna, your daughter will be OK. As you said, it's a normal part of growing up and life. I never had a lot of friends growing up (by choice, I'm an introvert) and have never confided in my mom. I just worked things out by myself and things have always turned out just fine. Good idea to take your dog to meet the potential addition to your family. Good luck with your decision.

Carol, was Mira's workout one of her youtube selection? How do you like her? I didn't renew her membership because I didn't quite click with her although she's an excellent instructor.

Hi Christine! How are your furbabies doing?

[donnamp]

Thanks, Dana! I am also an introvert with a small "true" friend group. I have acquaintances that I do things with but "true" friends that you have heart-to-hearts with - not many. My husband is the same, so it should be no surprise that my DD is also like this. I also did not share a lot of relationship details with my parents - although I think my DD and I have a more open relationship than I had with m parents- I think it is just the way things are these days. Still, if she doesn't want to share, I can't get it out of her - just have to let her know I'm here for her. She seemed ok this morning when she was up getting ready for her work training. I do worry about her - but there is also not a whole lot i can do and some of this stuff you do just have to work out on your own. I tell you - it s a lifetime of worry having kids.

I'm still on the fence about the other dog but did reach out to schedule a time for my dog to meet her. I figure it can't hurt and may provide the insight I'm looking for.

Donna

[furmomof6]

Hi everyone!

Senior Shape Balance & Strength
30 minute walk

Donna, let us know how it goes when your dog meets up with the shelter pup! I agree with Carol about getting some insight from the shelter. BUt as you said, just having them meet can tell you all you might need to know. I'm sorry about your DD and her BF.

Dana, my kitties are doing well, thanks! Great job with the build workouts.

Carol, we've been in a drought here and desperately need rain!